Guwahati: Opposition parties in Assam on Wednesday called for the immediate rehabilitation of families affected by the recent inter-community violence in West Karbi Anglong district.
In a joint memorandum submitted to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, the opposition also demanded adequate financial compensation for the families of the two persons who lost their lives in the violence.
The joint memorandum was signed by leaders from Congress, CPI(M), Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC), CPI and CPI(ML) Liberation.
Stressing the need for urgent relief, the memorandum said rehabilitation must be prioritised alongside livelihood restoration through employment opportunities or skill development programmes. It also sought priority access to short-term credit and loans, and the rebuilding of damaged community infrastructure, including schools, roads and bridges.
The opposition further emphasised that tribal land must be protected in accordance with the provisions of the Sixth Schedule. Any rehabilitation of non-tribal populations, it said, should be carried out in a manner that preserves the existing demographic balance and maintains the Assamese population as the majority in the area.
“Both tribal and non-tribal families affected by the Kheroni Bazar unrest shall be provided adequate financial compensation for loss of life, injury, loss of livelihood and property damage,” it said.
Tensions between the Karbi and Bihari communities in West Karbi Anglong district have escalated over allegations of encroachment on Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) and Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) lands in tribal belt areas by Hindi-speaking settlers.
The worst-affected Kheroni area witnessed large-scale violence, resulting in the death of one person in police firing and another who was allegedly burnt alive inside his residence. The clashes left more than 180 people injured, including 173 security personnel, officials said.
During the violence, the residence of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang was set on fire by an irate mob.
Subsequently, Ronghang ordered the demolition of the damaged structure using bulldozers, a move that drew allegations from opposition parties, who claimed it was an attempt to destroy or conceal evidence related to alleged corruption, undisclosed financial assets and other illegal activities.
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The opposition further alleged that a cache of arms and ammunition was found on the premises, which they claimed prompted the swift demolition.
Citing these allegations, the opposition demanded Ronghang’s immediate suspension, alleging his involvement in the destruction and removal of potential evidence.
